How to know more about unsafe food colors used in Biryani? Are they good?

Orange, red, lemon yellow are some of the permitted colors used in Biryani.

People love the taste.

Right?

But how do we know whether these are safe to use?

Though they say the food colors have been in use for a long time and these are permitted besides being absolutely safe, how do we understand the entire theory and concept behind its addition in Biryani.

Particularly when this is one of the most favorite delicacies of India cherished by foreigners as well.

To understand this in detail, let's first examine what's available in food color and how these are made?

FSSAI regulations (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011, says no colors can be added to the food other than those permitted in the regulations.

FSSAI allows colors as an additive in -

- Icecream and dairy products

- Candies,  sweets, biscuits, cakes and confectionery 

- Jellies, jam, juice

- non-alcoholic and non-carbonated drinks

Sythetic colors can have a maximum limit of 100 parts in the final food beverage consumption whereas in other foods a limit should not exceed 200 parts per million in the consumption.

When permitted colors are used in the preparation of any food, they shall be free from any harmful impurities. 

Is there any extraneous matter?

According to FSSAI, it permits food color use when these are manufactured artificially and carry:

- Carotene

- Chlorophyll

- Riboflavin

- Caramel

- Annatto

- Saffron

- Cumin / turmeric

Conclusion 

It is now clear as per FSSAI regulations the use of food color is limited to its use and when it is specially flavored with artificial flavors.

However, it must be duly considered that additives are not necessary and can be avoided from use to make the biryani more nutritious and natural.

Turmeric being a healthy option for color, it can be used in place of food color.